Taking a brisk walk could play an important role in fighting depression, according to researchers in Scotland.
Vigorous exercise has already been shown to lessen symptoms of depression, but the effect of less strenuous activities was unclear. A study in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity showed walking had a “large effect” on depression. One in 10 people may suffer from depression at some point in their lives. The condition can be treated with drugs, but doctors, for mild symptoms commonly prescribe exercise.
Researchers at the University of Stirling scoured academic studies to find data on one of the mildest forms of exercise - walking. They found eight studies, on a total of 341 patients, which fitted the bill.
